Risk Management Tools & Resources

Dr. Miller, a general dentist, treated a male patient in his fifties for various dental issues. Although the treatments were successful, the patient was unhappy with Dr. Miller's office staff and the amount for which he was billed. The patient joined an online forum and began posting negative comments about Dr. Miller's billing policies, office staff, and efficacy of care.

Without doubt, the ease, flexibility, and convenience of social media offer various opportunities to enhance the dissemination of health information and communication between patients and healthcare providers.

However, like any type of technology, social media can create safety and risk issues if it is not used responsibly. Additionally, because social media changes rapidly, standards and best practices are not always well-defined.

Dr. Andrews, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performed a successful breast augmentation on a patient in her mid-thirties. Approximately 5 months after the procedure, the patient sent an email message to Dr. Andrews' practice expressing that she was extremely pleased with the results of the augmentation. In the message, she attached a picture of herself that highlighted the results of the surgery.

One of the most significant concerns related to the use of social media in healthcare is the requirement to maintain strict confidentiality of patients' protected health information (PHI). This obligation is addressed in federal law and governed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

History has shown that natural disasters and other environmental crises can occur with limited warning and may necessitate a rapid emergency response. In the United States alone, 79 disasters were declared in 2015.

Although information about emergency preparedness and response in healthcare often focuses on hospitals, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently also is vital for healthcare practices.

Documentation in the medical record fulfills many purposes. It records and memorializes patient care, facilitates communication among caregivers, forms the basis for coding and billing, provides data pertinent to quality improvement, and may provide information that is critical during an audit or legal action.

As the nation’s first provider of healthcare liability insurance, MedPro Group has protected the assets and reputations of the healthcare community since 1899. With over $1 billion in annual premium and more than 200,000 clients, MedPro Group is the national leader in customized insurance, claims and patient safety & risk solutions for physicians, surgeons, dentists and other healthcare professionals, as well as hospitals, senior care and other healthcare facilities.